Conveyor Belt Static Charge Control via Feedback Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems fail to effectively control and maintain the static charge level on conveyor surfaces, which can affect the quality of static-sensitive articles and processes, especially under variable ambient and production conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating static-electricity detectors and secondary charge generators into the conveyor system to measure and control the static charge on the conveyor surface, allowing for real-time adjustments and management of the charge level through a connected logic circuit and controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive coatings or constituents are added to the conveyor belt, then electric charges are dissipated or prevented from building up, but the static charge level cannot be controlled for variable ambient and production conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic charge controlVSAvoidadaptability to variable conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where static electricity detectors continuously measure the charge on the conveyor surface, and the controller adjusts the secondary charge generators accordingly to maintain the desired charge level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to variable ambient and production conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliable charge control and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static conductive coating approach to a dynamic control system with adjustable secondary charge generators. The charge generation and dissipation can be dynamically adjusted in real-time based on measured conditions, providing both reliability and adaptability to changing environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If static charge level is not sensed and controlled, then the system is simpler, but the quality of static-sensitive products or processes is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing feedback control with detectors and controllers, the system achieves precise control of static charge levels, ensuring product quality for static-sensitive articles. The feedback mechanism automatically adjusts charge levels based on real-time measurements, maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive mechanical conductive coatings with an active electronic control system using detectors, controllers, and adjustable charge generators. This substitution enables precise measurement and control of static charge, improving product quality despite increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conductive coatings are used on the conveyor belt, then charges are dissipated, but the system cannot actively control or maintain specific charge levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge level controlVSAvoidautomatic charge management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system automatically manages charge levels by continuously measuring the conveyor surface charge and adjusting the secondary charge generators accordingly. This automation eliminates the need for manual intervention while providing precise control over charge levels, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and extent of automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service charge management through automatic detection and adjustment mechanisms. The detectors monitor charge levels and the controller autonomously adjusts the charge generators, enabling the system to maintain optimal charge levels without external control or manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise control of static charge levels on conveyor surfaces, ensuring the quality of static-sensitive articles and processes by dynamically managing charge levels based on measurements and ambient conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A static-electricity detector is operative to make measurements of the static electricity due to the electric charge of the conveyor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic detection: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

transferring electric charges to or from the conveyor as a function of the measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge transfer: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8997973B2Conveyor system, belt, and method for measuring and controlling static electricity

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 LAITRAM LLC

AI summary

Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence of static electric charge on a conveyor. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with an outer conveying surface. Embedded or external static-electricity sensors make measurements of static electricity on the belt's conveying surface. A controller uses the measurements to control the level of electric charges on the belt by transferring charge to or from the belt.